Gov’t raises piped water prices by up to 46.5%

It is about time: Gov’t raises piped water prices by up to 46.5%. Prime Minister Sherif Ismail signed off on Thursday on raising piped water prices by as much as 46.5%, with the new prices set to come into effect retroactively to last month’s consumption. The new charges will be applied across all consumption tiers: Prices for residential use now range from EGP 0.65 to EGP 3.15 per cubic meter depending on consumption, up from EGP 0.45-2.15 previously, according to the price breakdown published in the Official Gazette. Prices for business range from EGP 3.30 to EGP 10.00, depending on industry and consumption levels. Sewage fees — which are set as a percentage of water prices — have increased to reach 75% of the water price for residential use, and to 98% for businesses. The government had last raised water prices by as much as 50% in August. The price hike comes ahead of anticipated cuts to fuel and electricity subsidies.